Meet Kirsten Mallari | Singer-Songwriter, “k¡t!”
We had the good fortune of connecting with Kirsten Mallari and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Kirsten, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
When I was in high school I was BIG on fine arts; I sang in choir all 4 years of high school, and I also danced during this time. There was something about singing and dancing that always made me feel like the most confident version of myself. I wrote songs and poems in passing whenever I felt like I needed to get things off of my chest, but I had lost touch with hobbies and passions I had growing up once I started pursuing my dreams of getting a career in healthcare as a Registered Nurse.
When I first started getting back into songwriting and making music, I was in my senior year of nursing school, and I had just gotten back into school after taking a gap semester and getting burnt out from the stress of my program. One summer after going through some personal turmoil/experiences, I just had a gut feeling to stop doubting myself and try to do something with music, and I’m so glad my gut told me to do so otherwise I wouldn’t have been in the position I’m in today : )
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I think what sets me apart from people is that I’m sort of a “jack-of-all-trades” type of gal! I work full-time now as a Registered Nurse in the Pediatric ICU Float Pool, but I am also a Singer-Songwriter, and Event Coordinator with an event and entertainment group in the DFW area called Abyss.
I stay driven by my ambitions to go above and beyond for people to have the best experience, whether or not it’s with me taking care of my patients, or putting together open mics and other events.
The biggest challenge I would say is definitely finding my balance with the many hats I wear. I always have to remind myself I can only be in so many places at once, but thankfully I have amazing coworkers and an amazing event group team that supports whatever crazy schedule I have.
I want people to know that it really does make a difference when you take the initiative to do things and make an impact on people. You really never know what opportunities could align for you if you never take a risk or chance.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
With me being very outgoing and curious I always end up coming up with different recommendations for people that visit Dallas. I’m the biggest foodie at heart, if people come to visit me I always have some sort of mental list of where to take them depending on the type of food or vibe. In general I always tell people KTown or Carrolton, TX is where a lot of the best food spots are at, but DFW has a a lot of hidden local gems scattered about that I love discovering as well. I also love love love live music and raving. I’m big on the rave community in DFW, you’ll probably run into me at SILO in Dallas whenever they have someone playing. If not a rave, I’ll probably be out dancing somewhere on a rooftop or with my nightlife group whenever we host events.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I have a LOT of gratitude for my support system for how I’ve gotten to where I’m at currently.
For starters, I really wouldn’t be anywhere I’m at without my family. My two younger siblings and I all grew up musically inclined and intrigued, so I was never alone in my journey becoming a new independent music artist. I couldn’t imagine going through the process I did without their honest feedback. To my parents, who remind me how proud they are of everything I’ve accomplished so far, their support means more than the world.
My fellow music-producing friends, Ilijah (goes by Ilijah Red on Music Streaming), and Evan (untilneptune on Music Streaming) were two of the first people to see and witness the beginnings of my music journey, and I can’t put into words how grateful I am to have had the chance to gain their insight and encouragement. They inspire me every day still!
Lastly, but definitely not least, to all the friends I made throughout my recent young adult years. Whether or not we connected because of music or not, every stream, mention of a new song, hype comment, and everything in between is the reason why I’m motivated to be the artist I aspire to grow into.
I couldn’t ask for a better network of people in my life, and I will always continue to appreciate and love everyone that plays a part in this journey for me.
Instagram: kitdmallari
Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2iF9eeya90OGnzGZ2WsRQg?si=cIBZncYaSxK5X36HVzE0PA
https://www.tiktok.com/@hikitshere?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc
Image Credits
Jayden Sun (jayd.sun on instagram)
Kaitlyn Tran (kaitlyntranphotography on instagram)
Nominate Someone: ShoutoutDFW is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
